ATHENS, Ohio (May 2, 2007) -- Expect a campus humming with activity this weekend, Friday, May 4, through Sunday, May 6. Ohio University is hosting Moms Weekend, and a broad range of exciting events will help make the weekend one to remember.

Choose from a performance on Friday by pop-punk band Sugarcult in Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium or a Celtic Rave at Baker University Center, where historical English, Italian, French and Scottish dance will be taught to modern techno and Celtic music.

Students and moms can join the fight against breast cancer Saturday morning at Ohio University's seventh annual Walk for a Cure or enjoy nature on a seven-mile hike through Hocking Hills State Park. For those who appreciate art, the Dairy Barn Fest will offer a selection of handcrafted jewelry, pottery, glass and baskets for sale.

Evening events include a performance by comedian Chelsea Handler from "The Chelsea Handler Show" and "Girls Behaving Badly." Sunday's offerings include an Ohio University softball game vs. Eastern Michigan or a visit to the Ohio University Driving Range.

This year, in addition to offering these special events, Ohio University has extended an invitation to mothers who lack accommodations due to the closing of the Athens Lodge, formerly known as the Days Inn. The mothers are invited to stay at the residence halls with their students, said Dean of Students Terry Hogan.

"We always welcome parents and family members to stay in our residence halls," said Hogan. "We encourage our students to get out their sleeping bags and give up their beds for their moms.

"It's not an ideal situation," he added. "But we know it works, and we certainly are prepared to welcome any moms who have been displaced by this unfortunate event."

Located on 330 Columbus Road in Athens, the 60-room Athens Lodge closed its doors without notifying future guests.

Hogan also invited moms affected by the closing to stop by Baker University Center for a complimentary cup of coffee in the Front Room. Those interested should stop by the guest services desk on Baker's fourth floor, where they'll receive a voucher for the free coffee.

"These family weekends are really important to many of our students and to this university," Hogan said. "We share in the frustrations our students and their moms are having as a result of this inconvenient hotel closing. It's a small gesture, but we want our students' moms to know we're happy they're here."

Students who have questions about their moms staying with them in the residence hall should check with their RA or the Office of Residence Life.

Those affected by the Athens Lodge closing also can check other local lodging options and find contact information online by visiting the Athens County Convention and Visitors Bureau's Web site at www.athensohio.com and clicking on "Where to Stay-Availabilities."